El Cocinero Restaurant

Name: El Cocinero Restaurant
Address: 6265 Sepulveda Blvd UNIT 12, Van Nuys, California, 91411, US
Telephone: (818) 317-5654
Price range: $
Rating: 4.7

$ • Vegan, Mexican

Hours:
6265 Sepulveda Blvd UNIT 12, Van Nuys
(818) 317-5654

Menu Order Online

About El Cocinero Restaurant

El Cocinero Restaurant is a small, authentic eatery serving plant-based dishes. The meats are fresh and delicious, with vegan options including all vegan meats. The menu features flavorful and authentic Mexican cuisine, including a popular oyster mushroom option and la torta de asada. The three taco combo is a favorite, with generous portions of jackfruit tacos, rice, and beans. Friendly staff provide great service, making first-time visitors feel welcome. The atmosphere is clean and comfortable, with cute vegan-themed wall art, perfect for casual dining. Although the restaurant is set up to be very take-out friendly, it does not take phone orders, and ordering through delivery apps can increase prices. Customers praise the reasonable prices and very tasty taco fillings, along with seven different vegan protein options like Al Pastor, Asada, Birria, Carnitas, Chicharron, Jackfruit, and a new plant-based Shrimp. Many enjoy the street corn and carnitas, and some wish they could visit more often because of the great flavors and portions. The menu has grown over the years, including burritos, bowls, ceviche, elote, loaded fries (papas a la bestia), mulitas, nachos, pozole, sopes, quesadillas, quesabirria (w/ or without consomé), tacos, and tortas. They offer several gluten-free options, along with great sauces like red, green, chipotle mayo, cashew crema, and ketchup. The staff is incredible, and drinks like horchata and hibiscus are popular choices. The flavors are an expression, and the quality is above and beyond. The vibes are everything, with recyclable and sustainable containers, cans, bottles, and packaging. Inside seating is limited, but the space often feels lively like a tailgate party with like-minded food lovers. It’s a common choice for group dinners with vegan and non-vegan friends who all love the healthy, positive meals. Parking is easy in a large plaza lot off Sepulveda Blvd. Many customers say it’s one of their favorite places in the San Fernando Valley, and it’s considered 818 great times infinity.